The Best Soldering Iron
This Old House Reviews Team
A soldering iron is a handy tool that uses metal to create long-lasting bonds with a low risk of snapping or breaking. It can be used to repair electronics, circuit boards, jewelry, pipes, and more. The This Old House Reviews Team has found the best soldering irons on Amazon to help you complete a variety of projects. Read on to learn more.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ANZRT4M
Hakko Digital Soldering Station
What We Like: This lightweight soldering station uses a ceramic heating element that allows you to adjust the temperature up to 899 degrees Fahrenheit. You can store up to five preset temperatures to get your projects started more quickly. Plus, you can easily keep it clean thanks to the included sponge and waterless cleaning solution.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XZ31W3M
Anbes Soldering Iron Kit
What We Like: This well-stocked kit comes in a sturdy carrying case and includes much more than just a soldering iron. Accessories include a supportive soldering iron stand, desoldering pump, power cord, cleaning sponge, and bonus pair of tweezers.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S61WT16
Plusivo Soldering Iron Kit
What We Like: This soldering iron set comes with much more than just the bare necessities. You also get a roll of insulating tape, multiple heat-shrink tubes, two mini screwdrivers, a pen-shaped screwdriver, a tin of flux paste, and a downloadable eBook filled with soldering tips from experts.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087832Y16
Merece Digital Soldering Iron Kit
What We Like: The five tips included with this combination soldering iron and digital soldering station allow you to replace the tip as soon as it is needed. Additional accessories include a cleaning sponge and a desoldering pipe.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M9ZKK9T
LEXIVON Butane Soldering Iron Multi-Purpose Kit
What We Like: All accessories included with this soldering iron, including the iron itself, slot snugly into the sturdy carrying case. This iron comes with seven tips, a refillable fuel tank, and a bonus cleaning sponge.
Buying Guide
Soldering irons use heat to create strong, long-lasting bonds between objects, particularly those made from metal. This buying guide will help you choose the best soldering iron to work with plumbing, electronics, jewelry, and more.
- Power:The power of a soldering iron is measured in watts. Most soldering irons have a wattage between 60 and 130. Some also feature adjustable power levels that let you fine-tune the iron to best suit each project’s needs.
- Temperature:In order to melt metal, soldering irons need to reach extremely high temperatures. Most soldering irons are capable of heating up to at least 600 degrees Fahrenheit (315 degrees Celsius) to work with most metals. However, some can heat as high as 900 degrees Fahrenheit (482 degrees Celsius). Many also feature adjustable temperature settings to work with a variety of projects.
- Tips:Many soldering irons come with multiple tips of different shapes and sizes. These tips allow the soldering iron to be more versatile and work with both large and small objects ranging from thick copper pipes to tiny wires or circuit boards.
- Handle:Because soldering irons heat up so much, they require an ergonomic handle made from a material such as rubber to protect your hands while you work. You should choose a soldering iron with a handle that is comfortable to hold for long periods.
- Other accessories:Additional accessories that may be sold together with a soldering iron include:
- Sponge
- Cleaning solution
- Charging station
- Charging station power supply
- Tweezers
- Wire cutter
- Wire
- Carrying case
- Heat-shrink tubes
FAQs
What is solder?
The term “solder” refers to metals that can be melted down and used to join other metallic materials together. The bonds created by soldering are strong, long-lasting, and not easily breakable. Initially, lead was primarily used for soldering, but this practice has been discontinued because of its negative effects. Today, popular metals used as solder include antimony, bismuth, brass, copper, iridium, silver, or tin.
What is solder flux?
Flux, also known as rosin flux, is a compound that is sometimes used to remove or prevent impurities in soldered joints. It can prevent the buildup of dirt and grime in the area as the solder cools and sets, and may also reduce the risk of oxidation. Some soldering irons come with rosin flux, while others require you to purchase it separately.
How do I safely store my soldering iron when not in use?
Always unplug your soldering iron and disconnect it from its power source when not in use. As soldering irons can take several minutes to cool down, you should make sure to store your iron out of reach of children and animals. Do not handle your soldering iron until it is fully cool.
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The This Old House Reviews Team provides overviews of select products that are top-selling on Amazon and/or popular in consumer searches. Our team evaluates the products based on industry research, consumer reviews, pricing data, hands-on testing in select cases, and other objective criteria unique to a given product line. Unless otherwise noted, these product reviews are intended to help inform buying decisions for DIY or other non-pro users only. Editor’s picks are made by members of the This Old House Reviews Team.